Located only 15 minutes north of Des Moines, Ankeny offers the best of both worlds: a small-town atmosphere with plenty of big-city perks just a few miles down the road. Of course, if you stay within the Ankeny city limits, you'll still find dining, shopping, and entertainment venues, as well as a host of green spaces for those occasions when you need a breath of fresh air.
If you're planning a trip to Ankeny, here's a guide to all the need-to-know information so you can plan the ideal visit.
When to Visit Ankeny, Iowa
As in much of the Midwest, Ankeny enjoys the most beautiful and comfortable weather during spring and fall. Summers get hot and humid, and winters bring a deluge of snow as well as those inconvenient icy streets. Shoot for April and May if you're looking forward to a spring vacation. You'll see the Iowa flora in mid-bloom, which makes all the outdoor spaces more beautiful, and daytime temperatures will hover in the mid-70s. Pack a sweater or jacket for the evenings so you don't get too chilly.
If you're thinking about an autumn visit, book your hotel reservations for September or October. The fall foliage will have dressed the town in beautiful shades of gold and crimson, and the slight nip in the air will get you in the mood for the holidays to come. Spend time both indoors and out to take advantage of all this town has to offer.
Tourism peaks during the summer months, which means you'll have to fight crowds when you want to visit an entertainment venue or tourist attraction. Plus, hotel rates increase during this time of year. However, it's still a better time to visit than winter; from November through February, hotel rates drop like stones, but the bitter weather will force you to stay inside for your entire visit.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Ankeny, IA:
Ankeny by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean price patterns by star rating class in Ankeny, IA. You can use these line graphs to determine the best dates to book in Ankeny for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Ankeny, Iowa
4 Star Average Prices: $128.75
Even the most upscale hotels in Ankeny, Iowa, are affordable for most budgets. You'll get access to more amenities as well as better locations and more upscale furnishings and decor in your room. If you're looking for the most enjoyable experience in Ankeny, you'll want to check out one of these hotels.
Start with the Hampton Inn & Suites Ankeny. Rates can range from $129 to $179 per night depending on the season, and the rooms at this venue feature bold, modern furniture and fixtures as well as spacious sitting areas when you've had your fill of entertainment and just want to relax. You can choose from rooms with two double beds and a single king bed, depending on your travel plans, and there are also wheelchair-accessible rooms to make everyone's stay more comfortable.
At the hotel, take a dip in the pool or keep up with your exercise regimen in the on-site gym. You might also want to take advantage of the complimentary breakfast in the morning and the free breakfast bar that stays open all day. A business center allows you to stay connected with work or personal associates while you're out of town, and there are coin laundry machines so you don't have to pack as many clothes for your trip.
The AmericInn Ankeny is another fantastic luxury choice. Room rates start between $113 and $120 per night, which means you'll enjoy luxury at an affordable price. The hotel's guest rooms feature comfortable Serta Perfect Sleeper beds, flat-screen televisions, more than 200 HD channels, in-room fridges and microwaves, and spa-like bathrooms. Every morning, the AmericInn Perk breakfast allows you to dine for free.
You can choose from short-term and extended-stay suites, depending on how long you plan to stay in town. The AmericInn Ankeny features a business center, indoor heated pool, free wireless internet, and gym. You can also select a suite with a fireplace or a whirlpool to make your visit extra special. The hotel does not allow smoking or pets in any rooms or common areas, so you can feel comfortable booking a room here if you suffer from asthma or allergies.
You might also want to check out the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Ankeny. It's fewer than 15 miles from Adventureland, which makes it ideal if you're traveling with kids, and rates start between $125 and $169 per night. The hotel offers excellent amenities, from the indoor heated pool to the generously sized fitness center. Rooms are decorated with upscale, contemporary furnishings and art, and you'll start every morning with a delicious Be Our Guest Breakfast, which is on the house.
Most Affordable Hotels in Ankeny, Iowa
3 Star Average Prices: $116.29
A productive business trip or relaxing family vacation doesn't require expensive lodgings. You'll have plenty of budget-friendly hotel options in Ankeny, which means you can divert most of your cash toward meals and entertainment. As long as you choose clean and safe venues, you won't miss the high-end amenities that drain your vacation budget.
The Ramada Ankeny, for instance, enjoys a solid rating among previous guests and sits right off I-35, so you can jump on the highway and head to whatever destination is listed first on your itinerary for the day. It's also a five-minute drive from the Prairie Ridge Sports Complex, which will captivate sports lovers. You're also not far from Saylorville Lake, which has become a favorite among locals for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Best of all, rates start between $55 and $84 per night, depending on the season.
At the Ramada Ankeny, you'll enjoy generous rooms furnished with simple but tasteful decor. Faux wood floors add an upscale flair to many of the rooms, and you can choose between double, queen, and king beds as well as between guest rooms and suites. Some come with kitchenettes if you're hoping to save even more money by cooking your own meals. There's a seasonal outdoor pool, and the on-site Ankeny Diner serves comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The Homewood Suites by Hilton Ankeny also attracts budget-conscious consumers. Nightly rates can range from $69 to $127 per night, depending on when you visit, and the hotel features modern furnishings and decor. Many of the suites offer separate living areas to make long-term stays more comfortable, and amenities include a pool, fitness center, convenience store, business center, and laundry facility.
Not only do you get a complimentary hot breakfast in the morning, but the Homewood Suites by Hilton Ankeny also serves a free meal and drinks on weekday evenings. The concierge will even go grocery shopping for you. Suites come with dual flat-screen televisions, comfortable mattresses, spacious bathrooms, and full-size stoves. You can surf the internet for free and eat your meals on provided tableware.
